“A friend is like a good bra- supportive, comfortable, lifts you up, makes you look good… and is always close to your heart!”

When life gets overwhelming and you want to hit the pause button- all you need is a ‘Girls night out!’. All friends are great assets, but there’s something truly special, serene and quite liberating about spending time with your gal-pals. It’s the best way to open your heart and let a positive bright breeze come in.

Don’t get me wrong, I love romantic date nights with hubby darling, but a weekend getaway with my girls leaves me feeling high-spirited, refreshed and 25 again! A lively evening with the lovely ladies must include fabulous food, daring drinks, loud laughter and loads of pampering! So why not include the next best thing in life- shopping. A weekend getaway with the girls that also includes a shopping expedition is a wonderful idea in itself!

Here are a few vital tips to help you plan it best-

1. Pick the right pack- Go on a holiday with pals you can be completely yourself with.. membership by invitation only. The point is to promote the right positive thoughts!
2. Plan your adventure well- Keep in mind that not all women in a group are going to want the same thing at the same time.  If you have a gang with varied shopping interests, divide up and make sure each gets to spend sufficient time to buy whatever they want.  Get everyone to write a list of stores they want to hit, then have a group discussion over coffee and come up with a priority based chart of your weekend activities!
3. A detailed investigation will reveal the best sales, exchange offers and festivals going on in every city. These spectacular shopping havens are the perfect reason to ditch bored husbands and hungry babies while you happily shop till you drop! Also try to plan them around sale seasons like July-August, when you can cash in on the off-peak airfare.
4. Carry enough dough (or cards) wherever you go, but set a budget for yourself. Flattered by the wonderful compliments your girls regularly hover on you, you will probably be prompted to buy every single thing that catches your eye!
5. Organize everything with care- from transportation to tummy breaks! Time is money people, and you can save a whole lot if you’re well planned!
6. Remember this trip is supposed to be about having fun. Leave mundane necessities like groceries and furniture out of your shopping list, and fill in fun ideas, like racy lingerie and matching tees, that will leave you guffawing like schoolgirls!
7. Include a ride in the ‘relaxi-taxi’ with a good spa massage and manicure or a group pampering session. After all, you are on a break right!

Good luck! Wishing you a trip packed with goodies, giggles and great experiences!